POLI4933 · Political Science

Honors Seminar

Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences

This course is restricted to Political Science Honors Program seniors first and any remaining seats are open to Political Science Honors Program juniors. This course is by permission only. Honors Seminar: Ireland and the European Union. Ireland's decision to join the European Union (EU) in 1973 was one of the most important moments in the history of the Irish state. EU membership has been transformative for Ireland's economy and polity. This course examines contemporary Ireland through the prism of its membership of one of the world's most advanced transnational unions. It focuses on the EU's political, economic and policy environment and critically explores the dynamics and dimensions of the EU system for small states like Ireland. It engages with theories of European integration and EU governance to unpack and understand the evolution of the EU and its small state members. This involves: 1) tracing the historic evolution of the EU and analyzing Ireland's decision to join in 1973; 2) scrutinizing Ireland's relationship with key EU institutions and major EU policies; and 3) analyzing the challenges and crises (including Brexit) faced by the EU and Ireland during the past 50+ years.